Wrist Strapping Techniques

Written by china zmuida

Share

Tweet

Share

Pin

Email

Strapping the wrist can help restrict range of motion. (x-ray of arm image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com)

Wrist strapping is a way of helping to reduce motion in your wrist. Wrist strapping may be done after sustaining a sprain or when athletes (such as gymnasts) want to protect their ligaments and tendons from repetitive motions. Use tape or elastic bandages to correctly apply wrist strapping techniques. According to Physio Advisor, you should shave the affected area prior to taping to prevent painful removal of the tape.

Other People Are Reading

Anchoring

Anchoring is a method of applying tape around the wrist and around the palm of your hand, (just beneath your four fingers). Anchors are used when you repeatedly suffer from sprains or when you want to prevent a sprain from occurring in your wrist. Generally a wide, stretch tape is wrapped around the wrist. An athletic tape is then applied over the stretch tape to reinforce the anchoring of your wrist.

Figure Eight

The figure eight method is used in conjunction with the anchoring method. A strip of athletic tape is used to form the number eight around the palm and the back of the hand. The figure eight method helps to prevent overextension of the wrist. The fingers are left to move freely, while the wrist is restricted from movement.

Straight Lines

A straight line method can be used in conjunction with the anchor method and the figure eight technique. Straps of athletic tape are used to overlap the anchor taping of the wrist. Straps of tape are placed from the forearm in a straight line, to the top of the palm. Several layers of tape can be applied to strengthen the straight line method, depending on how immobile you want your wrist to be.

Tape

Wrist strapping isn't meant for you if you have sustained a fracture in your wrist, if you have skin allergies, or if you have poor circulation. Tape used on the skin should be taken off within two days to prevent irritation of your skin.